Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has backed Andoni Iraola to bring the excitement back to the club.
Iraola is set to sign a two-year contract to become Liverpool’s new manager, following the decision to sack Arne Slot. The Spaniard will arrive having led Bournemouth to a top-six finish in the Premier League, securing European qualification for the first time. He has won admirers for a front-footed brand of football on the south coast.
Murphy, who made 249 appearances for Liverpool, believes Iraola’s intense football will get the fanbase excited at Anfield.
“I’m quite excited because after watching Bournemouth play, there’s no reason to think he’s not going to try and play the same way – in terms of being courageous and on the front foot and trying to press teams with high energy and play attacking football,” Murphy said to the BBC.
“When a fanbase becomes disillusioned with a manager and his style of play – and then start turning on him – you’re delaying the inevitable. I do believe Liverpool are better placed now and that’s not all down to Slot.
“Bringing in Iraola was the best option because the fans go into a new campaign with hope and excitement, rather than fear. You do not want to start the season where the players are feeling the anxiety from the outset, and this was the best way for Liverpool to do it.”
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